As Valentine's Day approaches, it's no surprise to find yourself listening to more music about l'amour. Even if you're not in an relationship, your heart can still soar hearing the passion in every line of a good old fashioned love song. Sure, there are some great options on the radio today, but when I'm in the mood to feel romantic, I always find myself looking to the past.
The lyrics can be inspired by all sorts of levels of affection, from serenading a favorite pet pooch to paying homage to your beloved. For instance, Dolly Parton's most famous ballad, "I Will Always Love You," was not written as a love letter to her husband, but rather a platonic token of esteem for her former music parter, Porter Wagoner. Other times, the words can make your heart heavy with tales of unrequited love, like the Bee Gee's early hit "To Love Somebody" from 1967.
This similarly lovesick song was released that same year, just at the end of the so-called "Summer of Love." Smokey Robinson and The Miracles were one of Motown's biggest stars thanks to Robinson's incredible vocal ability. He reaches notes you'd think only angels could touch, and with unwavering clarity. "I Second That Emotion" details a man who is tired of playing games and being strung along by his lady love. The malapropism in the title was inspired by Robinson's co-writer Al Cleveland saying it by mistake in the recording studio. The duo were so amused, they wrote the song right then!
Take a look at the performance below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
